Ab initio calculations of spin-wave excitation spectra from time-dependent density-functional theory

Magnetism is an intriguing phenomenon. It has fascinated people already in ancient times, when performers demonstrated the invisible magnetostatic forces which enable amber to attract lint and dust in an – at that time – incomprehensible and miraculous way. Since then, the exploration of magnetic effects has long been extended beyond pure curiosity. Nowadays a lot of the fundamental magnetic mechanisms are well understood, leading to a manifold of applications that are part of our every-day life in one way or another, ranging from effects on a macroscopic scale, such as the compass or the generator, to omnipresent applications of modern micro- and nanoelectronics most notably in the area of computing and information technology. The delightful journey into the magnetic realm has just begun, and – sufficient fundamental knowledge provided – stimulating developments are ahead of us!